Wests Tiger faces life ban over betting scandal

RUGBY LEAGUE: The NRL is still waiting for a response from Wests Tigers star Tim Simona, who faces the prospect of a life ban if found guilty of allegations he arranged for bets to be placed on opposition players.

The NRL dropped a betting bombshell last week when they issued Simona with a notice of intention to cancel his registration.

The Tigers centre was alleged to have placed a string of minor bets - including being the first tryscorer and scoring multiple tries in a game - during a betting spree last season.

It has also been alleged he used someone else's account to place bets on opposition players he was marking to score tries.

League sources on Thursday morning confirmed the allegations in a Fairfax Media report but said the NRL was still waiting for the 25-year-old Samoan international to officially respond to head office.

The Daily Telegraph revealed the original claims on Friday, including that Simona's exotic bets were placed with a leading corporate bookmaker during last season.

Tim Simona (centre) of the Tigers is tackled by James Tamou (left) and Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys last year.PAUL MILLER

There were numerous small bets, in a lot of cases as little as $10, and in an account understood to be not in Simona's name.

NSW Police are not yet involved but the NRL Integrity Unit could hand over any findings and evidence once Simona has fronted the panel.

In a statement last week, the NRL said Simona would take no further part in the Tigers' preseason preparations until the matter was sorted.

"The notice relates to alleged breaches of the rules relating to gambling on NRL matches," the statement read.

"Simona will now be prohibited from training or playing with the club until the matter is finalised.

"He will be given a chance to respond to the allegations before a final determination is made.''

It is understood the NRL received a tip-off informing them of Simona's betting activity.